Burseraceae
Boswellia Sacra
Boswellia sacra
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Oman, Yemen, Somalia
Also known as: Sacred Frankincense, Omani Frankincense, Royal Boswellia
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Resin
Therapeutic Uses
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, asthma, brain edema, anxiety and depression (incensole acetate activates TRPV3 channels), cancer adjunct. Sacred Omani species with slightly different alkaloid profile from B. serrata.
Herbal Actions
Anti-inflammatory (5-LOX inhibitor), analgesic, neuroprotective, antidepressant (incensole acetate), anxiolytic, antitumor
Active Constituents
Boswellic acids (AKBA — acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, α/β-boswellic acids), incensole acetate, α-pinene, limonene
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Not applicable — resin |
| Tincture | Standardized extract (65% boswellic acids): 300–400mg 3x daily with food |
| Notes | AKBA-enriched extracts (Aflapin, 5-Loxin) superior. Take with fatty meal (improves absorption 4x). Frankincense essential oil aromatherapy for anxiety (incensole acetate). Omani quality considered finest by many practitioners. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (potential uterotonic). Caution with anticoagulants. Avoid 2 weeks before surgery.
Side Effects: Mild GI upset. Nausea. Skin rash. Generally very well tolerated.